Communication.

Our world needs more of it.

But if conservative Republican congressmen were to have their way, there would be less of it—especially when it involved communicating with “adversary” nations like the Soviet Union.

In case you’re not aware of it (the story got buried in the newspapers), the White House has invited Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev to speak before a joint session of Congress. It would be the first time a Communist leader ever had that privilege, but there are some congressmen who don’t want to see that happen.

ep. Dick Cheney, R-Wyo., chairman of the House Republican Conference, said the invitation was “inappropriate” because “the Soviet Union still violates human rights, has butchered hundreds of thousands of people in Afghanistan and driven millions into exile, oppressed Eastern Europe, and has sought to use military means to expand its empire in South Africa and Central America.”

Everything Cheney said is true. No one can deny that.

But as our world gets smaller, Congress is going to have to start thinking about things in terms other than looking good to the folks back home.

In the world of international relations, perceptions are everything. And even though the folks back home may perceive their conservative Republicans’ objections as a tough stand against communism—the world will view these objections (and possible actions) as a sign of our nation’s hostility.

And the last thing this nations needs is to be perceived as hostile.

A majority of the world already views us as imperialistic and dangerous.

The Soviet Union on the other hand, under Gorbachev’s leadership, has taken some monumental steps to shake its reputation as an iron-fisted nation where all the leaders wear bad suits.

Whether these steps are a public relations ploy or an honest move toward creating a more compassionate, civilized government is yet to be seen and is better left to the history books.

But in our world, where perceptions are everything, the U.S. must meet friendly gesture with friendly gesture. Or, even better, be the side that initiates dialogue.

Many senators believe that speaking before a joint session of Congress is an honor reserved only for friendly leaders of friendly nations.

Such beliefs are understandable but out-of-place in this age of Mutually Assured Destruction.

The current MAD situation has—or at least should have—changed the rules by which we deal with nations we consider to be a threat. Apparently, some of our congressmen don’t think that way.

I am not, however, saying that Gorbachev should be allowed to speak to Congress and have this nation perceive him as God’s messenger of peace.

No. If you’ve read my columns, you know me better than to suggest anything like that.

Gorbachev should be allowed to speak all right, but he should also be able to field questions from the congressmen and our free press.

I know there are many Americans out there who would love to hear—right from the horse’s mouth—why “the Soviet Union still violates human rights, has butchered hundreds of thousands of people in Afghanistan and driven millions into exile, oppressed Eastern Europe, and has sought to use military means to expand its empire in South Africa and Central America.”

I’m sure you’ll be hearing and reading a lot about this issue in weeks to come, and I encourage everyone to let their congressman know how they feel about it.

But in the meantime, Congress must take the recent Soviet actions at face value and be cautiously optimistic when dealing with the Soviets.

But fair is fair. If Gorbachev is able to speak to the American people, then Reagan should be allowed to speak to the Soviet people.

Communication is the key to understanding. And understanding is the key to peace.